Team Lead, Manufacturing
At Watlow’s Global Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we combine a rich legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 1922, Watlow has grown from a small heating element manufacturer into a global leader in thermal systems. Our headquarters is a hub for collaboration, advanced engineering, and customer-focused solutions.
About the role
As a Manufacturing Team Lead, you will lead a team of production operators to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) targets that meet customer demand and support Value Stream goals. You’ll drive improvement efforts using the Watlow Business System (WBS) and foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability. We are looking for a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily production activities to ensure SQDC goals are met in assigned cells.
- Support and drive continuous improvement using Lean and WBS methodologies.
- Manage team performance, attendance, and manpower allocation to meet capacity needs.
- Solve problems quickly using Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methods.
- Foster a safe, organized, and high-performing work environment through 6S and MDI practices.
- Collaborate with leadership, Human Resources, and Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) teams on staffing and safety initiatives.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or technical certificate preferred.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or production leadership.
- Leadership training or prior supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong communication, coaching, and team-building skills.
- Ability to use data to drive decisions and performance improvements.
- Experience with Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and WBS tools.
- Proficiency with time and attendance systems and basic computer applications, preferred.
- Ability to work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and stand or move frequently throughout the shift.